Congressman Brad Sherman Calls for Immediate Halt to U.S. Petroleum Exports Amid Iran Tensions

By Amr Gohar

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Brad Sherman is urging the U.S. government to temporarily halt American petroleum exports as escalating tensions with Iran continue to push global oil prices higher.

In a letter sent to Donald Trump, Sherman called on the administration to use existing legal authority to pause exports of U.S.-produced crude oil in order to protect American consumers from rising energy costs and broader economic disruption.

Sherman warned that instability linked to the Iran conflict has already created volatility in global energy markets, which could soon translate into higher prices for gasoline, transportation, food, and manufacturing across the United States.

“Higher oil prices may benefit the largest oil companies, but they function as an unavoidable tax on American families,” Sherman said in the statement. “When energy prices spike, the cost of gasoline, transportation, food, and manufacturing all rise.”

Protecting Domestic Supply

Sherman argued that during periods of international conflict, U.S. energy production should prioritize domestic needs rather than global export markets.

He noted that the President has legal authority under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 to restrict crude oil exports if a national emergency arises or if exports threaten employment or economic stability in the United States.

According to Sherman, temporarily pausing exports would help stabilize domestic energy supply and reduce inflationary pressure on American households and businesses.

Economic Concerns

The congressman emphasized that rising oil prices often ripple through the broader economy, increasing the cost of everyday goods and services. By temporarily halting exports, Sherman argues the United States could keep more petroleum supply within the domestic market, potentially helping to ease price pressure during a period of geopolitical instability.

“Temporarily suspending crude oil exports is a lawful, targeted, and necessary step,” Sherman said. “America’s energy resources should first and foremost benefit the American people.”